Buffalo's Bavarian Nut Company named OnDeck's Small Business of the Month
The Bavarian Nut Company, located in Buffalo, New York, has been selected as the "OnDeck Small Business of the Month." Owner Dan Desrosiers will be honored by the Buffalo Bisons prior to their Saturday, Aug. 29 game against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
OnDeck launched the Small Business of the Month Award program in partnership with Minor League Baseball to recognize small businesses that are making a positive impact on their local communities.
Founded in 1994 in Buffalo, New York, The Bavarian Nut Company began in a basement with only one German copper kettle roaster. The products were an instant success allowing the company to expand and now serve customers globally through its website, as well as local patrons at its retail store located on Elmwood Avenue. As a purveyor of fine nuts, it is known to be New York's oldest nut roasting company.
Desrosiers purchased the company in 2012 and moved it to its current location in Elmwood Village two years later. Prepared in small batches, their cinnamon roasted nuts are made in front of the customer and sold at the store and on-site at fairs, craft shows, wine shows, Taste of Buffalo and Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. The annual Taste of Lancaster in Lancaster, New York, named The Bavarian Nut Company's glazed nuts "best snack food" among its vendors.
A family-run business, the company currently has four part-time employees, with Dan's wife, Shara, and daughter, Valerie, handling sales and production. After moving to Elmwood Village, they began selling authentic French macarons and items from local companies including That Popcorn Shack and Zetouna Olive Oil. The store also sells bubble tea, a cold, frothy drink made with iced tea, sweetened milk or other flavorings, and usually served with sweet black balls or "pearls" made from tapioca.
Desrosiers has used OnDeck funds to secure inventory and sustain the business during the winter months. This year, he plans to attend more events in larger venues throughout the U.S.
The Bavarian Nut Company joins select small businesses across the U.S. who will be recognized by OnDeck and Minor League Baseball across more than 20 activation clubs this season. OnDeck is hosting Small Business of the Month Award contests on Facebook throughout the season. To apply, visit OnDeck's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OnDeckCapital.